Steelcase starts manufacturing in India

PUNE: Steelcase, the Michigan, USA based office furniture company has set up its first manufacturing facility at Chakan near Pune. The 5000 sq mt plant will employ about 100 people and will manufacture a new range specifically for the Indian market. Mr Uli Gwinner, president of Steelcase Asia Pacific, explained: “We need to be where our customers are in order to provide them with great products and services, so this is a critical long-term investment for Steelcase. The rapid growth in the Indian economy has not only fueled a continued expansion of the market, but for business owners it is also driving competition to attract and retain the best talent, and to optimise productivity. The workplace has an increasingly vital role to play in helping businesses achieve continued growth and success, and this new plant will enable us to leverage our global knowledge and expertise to enhance the level of products, service and support we can provide in India.”

With local manufacturing in India, the company will be able to reduce delivery times and offer a wider range of products to its customers in India. The company offers a range of workplace products, furnishings and services in India.

Jeff Ge, vice president of operations, Asia Pacific, said: “This new plant will produce a range of Steelcase products specifically for the Indian market. It signifies the importance that we place on servicing India, as part of our goal of strengthening Steelcase’s overall presence in Asia.” The 100-year-old company is among the global leaders in the office furniture segment.